WO2002028699A1

WO2002028699A1 - Suspension mount for two-wheeled vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2002028699A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/025518
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jay R. Miller
Original assignee: Miller Jay R
Priority date: 2000-10-02
Filing date: 2001-08-15
Publication date: 2002-04-11
Also published as: AU2001284930A1; US20020038844A1; US6484888B2

Abstract

A vehicle suspension mount (20) having a fastener (10) for attaching the mount (20) to a preexisting structure (19) and at least one extension defining a support extension (45) is provided. The support extension (45) thread s easily through the spokes (46) of a wheel (26) and contains a precisely curved surface portion (54). The suspension mount (20) and related methods permit easy mounting of the vehicle without the need to precisely align any part of the wheel (26) within or over the support extension (45). A lock-loop (30) is positioned on the body portion (35) of the suspension mount (20) for locking the vehicle to the suspension mount (20) for securely storing the vehicle following easy placement of it upon the suspension mount (20).

Description

SUSPENSION MOUNT FOR TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of storing a bicycle or other two-wheeled vehicle and, more particularly, to conveniently and securely storing such vehicles in a manner that permits their easy positioning for storage and easy removal for use while also providing a deterrence to theft of the bicycle or other two-wheeled vehicle.

Background of the Invention The bicycle remains an extraordinary useful and important device around the world despite its relative mechanical simplicity. Notwithstanding the undeniable dominance of the automobile as a mode of transportation in many countries, the bicycle continues to provide transportation, entertainment, and exercise for millions of people. Indeed, in many other countries, the bicycle continues to be the primary source of affordable transportation, and in a world growing ever more concerned about the detrimental effect of the automobile on the environment, the bicycle along with public transportation is seen as a socially valuable alternative to the automobile. Moreover, the bicycle is a valuable exercise tool for increasingly health conscious adults. And, of course, for the foreseeable future, the bicycle will remain a ubiquitous feature of childhood for millions of youth.

Nonetheless, many of the features that make the bicycle such a useful device - lightweight and highly mobile - also ensure that the bicycle is an easy target for theft. One persistent problem in particular concerns the temporary storage of bicycles. If one desires to use a bicycle frequently, then the bicycle cannot be packed away conveniently in permanent storage, and yet, it can be quite inconvenient simply to prop the bicycle against a wall in cramped garage or in a limited-space apartment or office. In addition to posing temporary storage problems, bicycles also continue to be easy targets for theft. According to national crime statistics, an estimated 5.6 million bicycles are stolen every year

(source: NBC Da teline, September 30, 1997) . Indeed, the resale market for stolen bicycles is a billion dollar-a- year industry, according to these same statistics. The same risk pertains to many useful devices found in the garage of the average home, including other lightweight vehicles such as mopeds and scooters. Such devices, like the bicycle, are valuable because they are relatively compact and mobile, but this is also what makes such devices so vulnerable to a would-be thief going past an open door to a garage where these devices are invariably stored. Over the years, a number of bicycle storing devices have been proposed in an attempt to provide convenient storage and theft deterrence for a bicycle. For example, U.S. Patent 3,828,936, issued to Hoenig and titled Bicycle Hanger, describes a vertical, wall-mountable device for holding a two-wheeled bicycle in a vertical position with one bicycle tire held on a narrow hook at the top of the device and the second tire resting within a near-floor level loop along with a third loop on the device to hold a lock and chain. U.S. Patent 5,887,461, issued to Heffley and titled Bicycle Locking Device, describes a device mounted to a wall or other surface and having at its base a support arm attached to a locking arm, both of which can pivot upwardly or remain locked in place in a horizontal position. At the end of the locking arm, a "jaw-like" fastener capable of holding a bicycle crossbar is attached.

The Hoenig device requires a plurality of spaced- apart connections in order to hold an extended curved section flatly against a wall surface along with a back tire loop necessary to provide "vertical stability" to a mounted bicycle hung by its first wheel on a narrow hook; the loop holds the back tire of the bicycle to prevent movement that would cause the front tire to disengage from the narrow hook. Considerable effort is required for positioning a bicycle so as to mount it for storage using a narrow Hoenig-style hook. In order to position the bicycle tire within the hook, one has to thread the tire over the hook and lift the bicycle frame up high enough so that the portion of the tire rim that is to be positioned within the hook is well above the hook. Having threaded the tire over the hook and lifted up the frame so that the portion of the tire rim that is to be placed within is held above the hook, one must then carefully align the tire so that, as it is lowered, the tire rim comes down exactly within the cradle of the hook. This sequence of movements is cumbersome and time consuming, especially for those of smaller stature such as young children. The process can be quite frustrating: if the tire is not aligned exactly, the tire will miss the hook when the bicycle frame is lowered. If so, the least of one's problems is that the sequence will have to be repeated. At worst, if one is not careful, and if the tire is not caught upon the hook as the bicycle is lowered, the tire and frame can slip out of one's grasp and fall to the ground. This is not only frustrating but could be injurious to any one attempting to place the bicycle for storage or anyone who happens to be nearby. The problem is especially worrisome whenever young bicycle riders or other children are involved.

Heffley also requires one wishing to store a bicycle to lift the entire bicycle vertically upward, because the bicycle must be mounted for storage by placing the crossbar of the bicycle into the vise-like grip positioned at the end of the locking arm extending from a base. But whereas Hoenig provides only a wall mountable device, the base of the Heffley device could be attached, say, to the ceiling of a structure as well as a wall. Like the Hoenig device, however, the Heffley device also requires a plurality of connections to secure the device to the structure.

Other devices similarly fail to provide an apparatus that not only allows one to easily position a bicycle for storing, yet also includes a locking mechanism or place to attach a separate lock that is not within easy reach of a would-be bicycle thief. U.S. Patent 5,702,007, issued to Fritz et al., and titled Rack Especially Adapted For Use Wi th Bicycles, describes an L- shaped rack mounted on a wall and having a centered arcuate well within which a bicycle tire can be supported. A chain or bar lock can be positioned through and within spaced-apart holes in the wall-mounted rack, but it is placed around the wheel which must be restrained lest it slide out of the sloping well that is the interior of the rack. The disadvantages of such devices are multifold. First, one must hold the bicycle in place without its slipping out of the ^'wheel while the locking member is threaded into place. This can be cumbersome. Secondly, while it is certainly cumbersome to hold a bicycle in place while threading a lock so as to keep it in place, the lock will be left at a level height that would be convenient for a potential thief to access. Placing the lock higher would force a thief to reach up, making disengagement difficult while also making the would-be thief easer to detect, but, placing the lock higher, would make mounting the bicycle in the well and holding it there long enough to thread a lock that much more difficult for the bicycle owner. U.S. Patent 5,292,009, issued to Smith and simply titled Bicycle Rack, also describes a rack - one which can be mounted to a wall or ceiling surface and which provides a right-angled channel to which a bicycle tire can be attached using separate clips, straps, or pins. Smith does permit one to place a bicycle out of easy reach of a potential thief. Doing so, however, entails mounting the rack to an upper wall portion or ceiling of a structure and then attaching the bicycle by securing its tires to the device with securing pins. This might be acceptable in cases where a bicycle owner wanted to store the bicycle for an extended period, but it would it be an unduly burdensome task to perform on a daily basis. Thus, whatever advantages would be gained by securing the rack to an upper surface so as to reduce access for a would be thief, would accordingly make it commensurately difficult for the bicycle owner to position the bicycle for storing it. Like the other devices, however, placing the rack in a lower, easier to reach position could be an invitation to a bicycle thief, especially given that a well-known method of stealing a bicycle having a lock around tire is simply to separate the tire and the bicycle frame.

Indeed, while failing to recognize the essential problem of preventing easy access to the locking member, conventional devices in fact provide little in the way of easy mounting of the bicycle to be stored. Both Smith-style mounting and pinning, as well as holding up and locking the bicycle as in Fritz, et al., can be awkward and difficult, as well as time consuming. Both kinds of devices impose cumbersome constraints, in that each type requires one to hold a bicycle in place while fastening a lock or other fastening member to keep the bicycle from slipping out of position. A Heffley-type vise gripper is within easy reach, as noted above, but requires positioning the crossbar of a bicycle within the saddle of the gripper. The gripper cannot be threaded through the spokes of a bicycle to provide other storing positions, such as suspending the stored bicycle on one wheel. Thus, while conventional devices fail to provide maximimum theft- deterring features, they do little to enhance the convenience of mounting a bicycle for storing. None adequately provide both convenience in positioning along with a locking mechanism positioned so as to enhance security against theft. As detailed here, there persists a sub-optimal trade-off between ease of storing and reducing the threat of theft of a stored bicycle.

U.S. Patent 5,553,715 issued to Brotz and titled Bicycle Stand describes a stand embedded in the ground and having a vise-like gripper for holding the diagonal bar of a bicycle frame.

Like other conventional devices, though, these too provide little in the way of easy mounting of the bicycle to be stored. They are also difficult and cumbersome to install. Both the Smith-style mounting and pinning, as well as the bicycle holding and locking of Fritz, et al . , can be awkward and difficult, as well as time consuming. Both kinds of devices impose cumbersome constraints, in that each type requires one to hold a bicycle in place while fastening a lock or other fastening member to hold the bicycle from slipping out of position. Also, like a Heffley-type device, a Brotz-type device utilizes viselike grippers that, although, within easy reach, require positioning the crossbar of a bicycle within the saddle of the gripper. With both devices, the gripper cannot be threaded through the spokes of a bicycle to provide other storing positions, such as suspending the stored bicycle on one wheel; the Brotz-type device does not have enough lengthwise extension along the bottom clamp to hold a conventionally sized bicycle rim, whereas the Heffley- type device requires too much lateral extension to thread through the spokes of a conventional bicycle tire.

Additional problems with such conventional devices arise with respect to making, installing, and maintaining the devices. Conventional devices generally involve complex connections of multiple pieces. This increases the complexity and hence the cost of manufacturing such devices. It also adds to the burden of maintaining the devices because there are more pieces that can wear out and require replacement. Installation is also a problem with most of these conventional devices. All require the mounting of a frame to a surface or the encasement of a base in the ground. Multiple drilled holes in a support surface and screws for attaching the devices to the surface are required. This not only adds to the costs of manufacturing but also increases the time and effort necessary for one to install and use such devices. Moreover, conventional devices such as those described above are typically limited to storing one or, at most, two bicycles. Thus, as the number of bicycles to be stored increases, one is generally required to increase the number of devices used.

Summary of the Invention With the foregoing in mind, the present invention advantageously provides an apparatus and related methods for storing one or more bicycles by easily mounting a bicycle tire connected to a bicycle frame upon a suspension mount to thereby suspend the bicycle completely off a floor surface for storage. The invention, more specifically, provides both ease in mounting a bicycle for storage while simultaneously providing uniquely positioned and fashioned features that reduce the threat of theft of the stored bicycle. The claimed invention provides other advantages as well, including in terms of size, portability, ease in placement and detachment, and limited manufacturing requirements and costs. Moreover, it will be obvious that the advantages disclosed by the present invention pertain to storage of other types of lightweight vehicles such as a motor bike or conventional equipment like a lawnmower or other device conventionally stored in a home garage.

The present invention provides an elongate bicycle mount that can be suspended from the ceiling or a wall of a structure. The distal end of the elongate mount is arcuate, with the curvature being sufficient to hold in place a bicycle frame or tire while being sufficiently open so as to permit the arcuate distal end to be easily extended through the spokes of a bicycle thereby enabling the easy placement of the tire therein so as to suspend the bicycle. Thus, an advantage of the present invention is that it permits easy positioning of a bicycle for storage in a home garage or beneath an overhang of some other structure. Positioned above the arcuate distal end of the suspended bicycle mount, formed with or connected to the mount, is a substantially closed loop. The loop is capable of receiving and holding a U-shaped lock or a combination of lock and chain. Forming the loop as a unitary piece of the elongate mount has significant manufacturing advantages, but regardless of whether the loop is formed as part of, or otherwise connected to, the elongate member, a significant advantage of the present invention is the unique placement of the loop, especially if it the mount is suspended from the ceiling or an upper portion of a wall. Specifically, the substantially closed loop is positioned at medial portion between the proximal and the arcuate distal ends of the elongate mount. More specifically, the distance between the center of the loop and the farthest axial extent of the elongate mount at the bend in the arcuate distal end is optimally between one quarter and one half the axial length of the elongate mount. The dimensions are purposeful and advantageous with respect to reducing the risk of theft of the bicycle stored upon the elongate mount whenever the mount is suspended to a ceiling or upper portion of a wall. In the present invention, the arcuate distal end can extend down far enough to make it easy to mount a bicycle tire (or, if two mounts are used, a bicycle frame) over the arcuate end so as to store the bicycle suspended upon the mount. Yet at the same time, if the mount is suspended from the ceiling or upper wall portion, with the substantially closed loop positioned sufficiently above the arcuate end, one must reach up to thread a locking device through the loop and around the bicycle mounted upon the elongate mount.

The reach upward for the closed loop, given the relative distances of the arcuate end and closed loop, is not enough to be unduly burdensome to the bicycle owner. Yet the height is sufficient to make it difficult for a would-be thief to attack the lock while standing on the floor of a home garage or surface beneath an overhang where the elongate mount may be suspended. Not only is the would-be thief's manual dexterity reduced in such a position, but so, too, is the opportunity for the thief to attack the lock by kneeling down to avoid detection or appear inconspicuous. Thus, the relative distance between the arcuate end and the closed loop provides an optimal trade-off: a small cost in inconvenience, but a substantial return in theft deterrence.

Further, theft deterrence is achieved by providing a unitary fastener at the upper end of the elongate suspended mount. For example, a thread screw can be formed with or connected to the proximal end of the elongate suspended mount so as to attach it to the ceiling or wall of a structure. Assuming that a lock and chain is positioned through the closed loop of the mount and around the frame of bicycle, the elongate mount fastened with a unitary fastener cannot be unscrewed from the wall or ceiling without rotating the entire bicycle frame as well as the unitarily fastened elongate suspended mount; rotating the mount without simultaneously rotating the bicycle frame works only to wrap a chain tighter around the mount. Alternatively, if a U-shaped lock is positioned through the closed loop, the lock will prevent separate rotation of mount and bicycle altogether. Thus, additional risk deterrence is provided with the present invention by forming at or connecting to the elongate suspended mount a fastener fixedly connected to the elongate suspended mount.

Optimally, the fastener just described will be formed as a unitary part of the elongate suspended mount. Doing so not only serves to ensure that the integrally formed fastener cannot be twisted without twisting the entire elongate suspended mount, but furthermore creates efficiencies in manufacturing. Forming the elongate suspended mount and integrally formed fastener obviates the need for independently producing the mount and the fastener requiring two independent production processes. Further efficiencies likewise can be achieved by unitarily forming as part of the elongate mount the substantially closed loop positioned between the upper end fastener and the arcuate distal end of the mount. Accordingly, the costs of manufacturing the present invention are concomitantly reduced by simplifying the manufacturing process needed to produce the device embodying the present invention.

Not only are manufacturing advantages achieved with the present invention, but additionally the unitarily formed mount and fastener provide for easy placement and detachment by the user of the invention whenever a bicycle frame is not secured to the device. If, for example, the simple unitary thread-screw fastener described above is utilized, the device can be connected to and detached from a structure as easily as turning a screw once a thread screw recess in the structure has been provided. It is thus seen that the present invention lends itself to providing a plurality of separate recesses for receiving the thread-screw fasteners of any number of separate elongate suspended mounts. For example, a separate beam having several thread-screw collars can be attached to the ceiling of a garage or the overhang of a public building. Any number of separate elongate suspended mounts can then be fastened to the beam according to the particular temporal demand for bicycle storing capacity.

As further described in more detail below, a bicycle can be suspended for storage without having to laboriously and awkwardly align the bicycle over a hook or within a vise. Instead, the present invention provides for simply lifting a bicycle tire connected to a bicycle frame up to and over the end of a bicycle support extension extending from the mount, a major advantage being elimination of the labor and frustration associated with having to lift up the bicycle, align it within a vise-like grip or over a hook into which it is then lowered.

Specifically, the present invention provides a bicycle mount that can be suspended from the ceiling or a wall of a preexisting indoor or outdoor structure. A first end of the mount preferably forms a spirally threaded, screw-like elongate portion having either a pointed or flattened screw tip for attaching, the mount to the structure. Extending outwardly from the mount at an opposing second end is an extension, defining a bicycle support extension, upon which a bicycle tire connected to a bicycle frame can be suspended. Preferably, the distal end of the extension is sufficiently open to easily thread through the spokes of a bicycle tire. The extension extends outwardly a sufficient distance to provide sufficient surface area exposure. The upper surface of the distal portion of the extension is preferably concave; beyond a specific point, moreover, preferably has a curvature everywhere increasing as one moves farther out along the distal end of the extension.

The extension therefore provides sufficient surface area with which to make contact with the rim without having to carefully align the tire before contacting the rim with the extension. The curvature of the surface along the distal portion of the extension is sufficient to prevent the tire from slipping off the extension regardless of the exact point at which the rim of the bicycle tire contacts with the extension. With the curvature increasing beyond a point along the distal end, the bicycle tire will be suspended securely regardless of where the rim first contacts the extension surface: the only sliding of the bicycle tire along the extension that can occur is if the tire slides into a more stable position closer to the closed proximal end of the extension.

Thus, to suspend a bicycle from the mount, one merely has to lift a tire of the bicycle up to and over the tip of the extension. The explicit curvature of the surface of the distal portion of the extension allows one to simply contact the rim of the tire with the upper surface of the extension. The curvature is sufficient to hold the tire on the extension regardless of where the rim of the tire of the bicycle being mounted on the suspension mount first contacts the extension.

More specifically, the bicycle support extension provides, then, just enough curvature to hold in place a bicycle tire while making it easy to thread the spokes of the tire through and the rim of the tire over the distal end of the extension. Thus, there is the advantage of easy mounting of a bicycle for storage in a room, a garage or beneath an overhang of some other structure .

As an elongated unitary piece, preferably, the suspension mount also can have a rigid first end formed to provide a spirally threaded screw-like extension for easily connecting the elongate suspension mount to virtually any support structure, even one having only limited surface area exposure for connecting with the suspension mount.

The claimed invention provides other advantages as well. The elongate suspension formed as a unitary piece and having a spirally threaded rigid extension, for example, provides unique advantages in terms of theft deterrence when coupled with the addition of a lock-loop positioned on the elongate mount to receive a locking device. If, for example, a chain is threaded through the lock-loop and around the bicycle frame having a connected tire mounted on the arcuate end, the elongate suspension mount provides excellent theft deterrence: any attempt to disengage by unscrewing the spirally threaded proximal end from the support structure will inevitably cause the chain to wrap more tightly around the mount and bicycle frame. In this event, the only alternative for one attempting to steal a bicycle secured to the elongate suspension mount is to attempt to rotate the bicycle simultaneously while turning the spirally threaded proximal end - an awkward task that is not easily accomplished and that is unlikely to be successful in quick fashion for a would-be thief seeking to avoid detection.

As alluded to above, there also are advantages in terms of manufacturing and maintenance costs provided by the present invention as well. Specifically, as already noted, the surface-connecting spirally threaded fastener and extension defining a bicycle support extension with the above-described characteristics for easy mounting can be implemented as a relatively simple, yet eloquent and efficient unitary elongate suspension mount. Manufacturing is accordingly simple and hence less costly as compared to conventional devices that require multiple, intricately connected components. The corresponding lack of interrelated pieces with a simple yet eloquent elongate suspension mount eliminates the wear and tear on individual components and the concomitant need for multiple and frequent replacements.

A further advantage of such a design is that it is easy to install a unitary suspension mount. Having a spirally threaded screw-like proximal end, the elongate suspension mount can be installed about as easily as hanging a picture frame. The elongate suspension can be screwed into a surface portion of a ceiling by hand or with the assist of a wrench. No more than the simple act of turning the threaded screw is required for positioning the mount to receive and support a bicycle tire and bicycle frame connected to the tire.

Yet a further advantage of the present invention is that it permits multiple bicycles or other lightweight two-wheeled vehicles to be suspended for storage using a single elongate suspension mount. The capability to store multiple bicycles requires only an equal number of arcuate ends extending from a proximal end connected to a corresponding support structure. The same spiral threading on the proximal end accommodates the easy installation described above. The same theft deterrence as provided for a single bicycle is provided for each of multiple bicycles using the same lock-loop attached to the elongate mount as described above. The only increase in associated manufacturing costs for such a multiple-support mount are those associated with providing additional bicycle support extensions extending from the suspension mount. Otherwise, the same advantages described for a single mount pertain to one capable of storing multiple bicycles by suspending the tire and connected frame of each on a separate bicycle support extension.

The present invention further provides a method for securely storing a bicycle by suspending a bicycle tire and a bicycle frame connected to the tire. More specifically, the method includes fastening a suspension mount to a supporting structure, sliding the bicycle tire over an extension defining a bicycle support extension designed to thread readily through the spokes of a bicycle tire connected to a bicycle frame, and securing the bicycle frame to the mount by placing a locking device through a lock-loop positioned on the suspension mount .

In addition, the method further can include forming the bicycle support extension so as to have a curvature that is greater at any point nearer to the distal end of the support extension relative to the curvature at any other point nearer to the proximal end of the support extension such that the curvature is increasing at each point as one moves along the support extension away from the proximal end and toward the distal end. Providing this precise curvature provides a method of more easily storing the bicycle relative to conventional storing methods. Specifically, the curvature permits easier storing, since a bicycle tire connected to a bicycle frame need only be lifted up to the mount and the rim of the tire contacted with a portion of the curved surface of a suspension mount extension defining a bicycle support extension to thereby securely position the tire thereon and securely suspend the bicycle frame connected to the tire.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Some of the features, advantages, and benefits of the present invention having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension and a medially positioned lock-loop according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension and a edially positioned lock-loop according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension and a medially positioned lock-loop according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective environmental view of an elongate suspension mount connected to a structural beam according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective environmental view of an elongate suspension mount connected to a structural beam according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective environmental view of an elongate suspension mount connected to a structural beam according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a perspective environmental view of an elongate suspension mount connected to a structural beam according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having dual arcuate extensions, each defining a bicycle support extension, and centrally positioned lock-loop according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of an elongate suspension mount having dual arcuate extensions, each defining a bicycle support extension, and centrally positioned lock-loop according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension and a lock-loop positioned on the distal end of the support extension according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension and a lock-loop positioned on the distal end of the support extension according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate end and a lock-loop positioned on the support extension medially between the proximal and the distal ends of the support extension according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension and a lock-loop positioned on the support extension medially between the proximal and the distal ends of the support extension according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension and a lock-loop positioned adjacent thereto according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension and a lock-loop positioned adjacent thereto according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension and a lock-loop positioned on the distal end of the support extension according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 17 is a front elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having a single arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension and a lock-loop positioned on the distal end of the support extension according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having dual arcuate extensions, each defining a bicycle support extension, and dual medially positioned lock-loops according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of an elongate suspension mount having dual arcuate extensions, each defining a bicycle support extension, with dual medially positioned lock-loops according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having dual arcuate ends with a lock-loop positioned adjacent thereto according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 21 is a top plan view of an elongate suspension mount having dual arcuate extensions, each defining a bicycle support extension, and a lock-loop positioned adjacent thereto according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having first and second arcuate extensions, each defining a bicycle support extension, a first lock loop positioned on the distal end of the first support extension, a second lock loop positioned on the second support extension, and a third lock-loop positioned between the first and second support extensions according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a top plan view of an elongate suspension mount having first and second arcuate extensions, each defining a bicycle support extension, a first lock loop positioned on the distal end of the first support extension, a second lock loop positioned on the second support extension, and a third lock-loop positioned between the first and second support extensions according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the proximal end of an elongate suspension mount forming a spirally threaded screw and having a medially positioned hexagon nut for connecting the elongate suspension mount to a support structure according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 25 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount having an arcuate extension defining a bicycle support extension upon which a bicycle tire is mounted with the rim contacting the extension according to the present invention;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of an upper portion of a distal portion of a bicycle support extension having a positive curvature according to the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a side elevational view of an elongate bicycle support extension having an upwardly sloping distal portion according to the present invention;

FIG. 28 is a side elevational view of an elongate bicycle support extension having an upwardly sloping distal portion with zero curvature according to the present invention; FIG. 29 is a front perspective view of an elongate bicycle support extension threaded through the spokes of a bicycle tire according to the present invention. FIG. 30 is a perspective environmental view of a bicycle securely stored upon the arcuate end of an elongate suspended bicycle mount according to the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a perspective environmental view of a suspended bicycle mount secured to an elongate suspended mount by a detachable lock and chain according to the present invention;

FIG. 32 is a perspective environmental view of a bicycle being mounted upon a suspended bicycle mount by one lifting the bicycle onto a distal arcuate end of the elongate mount such that the arcuate distal end of the mount extends through the spokes of a bicycle tire according to the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a perspective environmental view of a bicycle being secured to an elongate suspended bicycle mount by placing a locking device through the closed loop connected to the mount above an arcuate end of the mount while the bicycle is suspended on the arcuate distal end of the mount according to the present invention; FIG. 34 is a side elevational view showing the optimal relational dimensions of an arcuate distal end and approximately medial-positioned closed loop of an elongate suspended mount having a unitary fastener for connecting to a structural beam according to the present invention;

FIG. 35 is a horizontal sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5 of the upper or proximal end of an elongate suspended bicycle mount according to the present invention; FIG. 36 is a perspective environmental view of a unitary fastener having a screw-type connector for fastening to a screw-threaded recess in a structural beam according to the present invention; FIG. 37 is a perspective view of dual elongate suspended bicycle mounts secured by a unitary fastener to a structural beam for securely storing a bicycle horizontally according to the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a side elevational view showing a rotatably connected fastener having a screw-type connector and gripper-style handle for screwing the fastener into a screw-threaded recess in a structural beam according to the present invention;

FIG. 39 is an environmental perspective view of an elongate suspended mount and two elongate suspended mount extenders for extending the axial length of the elongate suspension mount according to the present invention;

FIG. 40 is an environmental perspective view of an elongate suspended mount having an attached locking device formed by separate chains fixedly connected to the closed loop of the elongate suspended mount and including a detachable lock according to the present invention;

FIG. 41 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount suspended from a wall of a structure and having a closed loop extending toward the wall according to the present invention.

FIG. 42 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount suspended from a wall of a structure and having a closed loop extending away form the wall according to the present invention;

FIG. 43 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspended mount extending from a wall of a structure and having a medially positioned closed loop below the axial length of the elongate according to the present invention; and

FIG. 44 is a side elevational view of an elongate suspension mount extending from a wall of a structure and having a medially positioned closed loop above the axial length of the elongate suspended mount according to the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout; the prime notation, if used, indicates similar elements in alternative embodiments.

FIGS. 1-44 illustrate various embodiments of an apparatus for securely storing a bicycle or comparable two-wheeled vehicle by suspending a tire 26 and vehicle frame connected to the tire 26 from a suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 that is fastened to a mount support surface 19 of a preexisting structure. The suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 preferably includes a fastener 10, 70 for fas.tening the suspension mount to a separate support structure 19, at least one lock loop 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, 320, 380, 450, 510, 570 for receiving a lockable chain, chord, bar or other locking device for locking the bicycle to the mount, and at least one extension 45, defining a bicycle support extension. The suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 is composed of a metal, plastic, alloy, or combination of comparable materials as will be readily understood by those skilled in the art so that the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 is strong enough to support the combined weight of at least one bicycle tire 26 - preferably both tires - and the bicycle frame connected thereto, the suspension mount itself being connected to a wall, ceiling, or other structure.

In order to mount a bicycle or similar lightweight two-wheeled vehicle easily upon the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700, the width or lateral extent of the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45 is sufficiently narrow so as to readily pass through the open space between the spokes 46 extending from a hub to the rim 58 of a conventional bicycle tire 26 (See FIG. 29) . Preferably, the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45 is substantially elongate, as perhaps most vividly illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22. The present invention can accommodate other configurations as well. As explained in detail below, however, a key aspect of the present invention remains the extent and curvature of the upper surface along a distal portion 54 of the bicycle support extension 45.

The extension defining a bicycle support extension 45 preferably provides a distal projection of sufficient extent as to provide enough exposed upper surface area along the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45 so that one merely has to lift a tire 26 connected to a bicycle frame over the distal tip of the extension 45 in order to easily contact the rim 58 of the tire 26 with the upper surface of the extension 45. Preferably, the proximal surface portion 52 and particularly the distal surface portion 54 of the extension 45 are curved as explicitly illustrated in FIGS. 1, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 26. Moreover, as explained in more detail below, the curvature of a portion of the upper surface 54 of the distal portion of the extension 45 is preferably increasing at each point as one moves farther along the distal end of the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45

The extension defining a bicycle support extension 45, therefore, provides sufficient upper surface area with which to contact the rim 58 of the bicycle tire 26 without having to carefully align the tire 26 before bringing the rim 58 into contact with an upper surface portion of the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45. The curvature of the distal surface portion 54 along the distal portion of the extension 45 is sufficient to prevent the tire from slipping off the extension regardless of the exact point at which the rim makes contact with the extension.

More specifically, the upper surface of the distal portion 54 of the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45 has a curvature, K, greater than zero beyond some point as one moves out along the distal end portion of the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45, the curvature being the rate of change of the angle made by the tangent line with respect to the arc length and given formally by the following formula wherein it is assumed that the extension extends distally in the positive direction, x (see FIG. 26) : K = du/ds =

(du/dx) / (ds/dx) ; where, for any curve given by the equation y = f (x) , u = tan'¹ [f (x) ] is the angle that a line tangent to the curve at a point on the concave side of the curve makes with x axis, and ds = [dx² + dy²]^1/2 is the differential of arc ( see, e . g. , Eugene A. Avallone & Theodore Baumeister III, MARK'S STANDARD HANDBOOK FOR MECHANICAL ENGINEERS, 10^th ed. (1996), 2-26; John M. H. Olmsted, ADVANCED CALCULUS (1961), 252-254).

Preferably, then, the curvature K of the bicycle support extension 45 is, beyond some point along the distal end, greater at any point nearer to the distal end of the support extension relative to the curvature at any other point nearer to the proximal end of the support extension such that the curvature is increasing at each point as one moves along the distal end of the support extension 45 away from the proximal end (see FIGs. 26- 28.) This geometry ensures that a bicycle tire can be readily mounted on the extension by simply sliding it onto the extension without having to position it over the extension for proper placement. As the curvature of the distal surface portion 54 along the distal portion of the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45 preferably is increasing at each point beyond a predetermined point along the distal portion, the bicycle tire will be suspended securely regardless of where the rim 58 of the bicycle tire 26 first contacts the upper surface the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45: the only sliding of the tire 26 and rim 58 along the upper surface of the extension 45 that can occur (depending on friction) is if the tire rim 58 slides into a more stable position within the concave region. Thus, to suspend a bicycle from the mount, one merely has to lift a tire of the bicycle up to and onto the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45. The explicit curvature of the surface of at least the upper distal portion 54 of the distal portion of the extension 45 allows one simply to contact the rim 58 of the tire 26 with the upper surface portion of the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45. The curvature is sufficient to hold the tire on the extension regardless of where the rim 58 of the tire 26 of the bicycle being mounted on the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 first contacts the extension 45. This, then, ensures that a bicycle tire 26 and bicycle frame connected to the tire 26 can easily be mounted on the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 by simply lifting the tire 26 and sliding it onto the extension 45 without any need for aligning the tire over a hook or positioning it within a loop as with conventional devices.

Preferably, the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 is integrally formed to provide a unitary device. Forming the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 as a unitary piece provides a number of distinct advantages, including those having to do with manufacturing efficiencies and related to theft deterrence. Firstly, forming the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 as a unitary piece eliminates having to have separate-piece processing and reduces the attendant costs of manufacturing multiple pieces and having to connect them to form a single suspension apparatus. A first end of the unitary suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700, moreover, preferably is an integrally formed spirally threaded extension forming a screw-like projection portion. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, the fastener 10 defines a first end of the suspension mount 20 and comprises a rigid point-tipped extension that can be screwed into a support structure 99 so as to connect the suspension mount 20 to the mount support surface 19. Alternatively, the fastener 70 defines a first end of a suspension mount 80 and comprises a rigid flat-tipped extension that secures in bolt-like fashion with the support structure 99 to thereby connect the suspension mount 80 to the mount support surface 19. Thus, the first end, as described, defines a fastener 10,70 for easily fastening the mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 to a preexisting structure 19. Other types of fasteners defining a first end of the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700, being integrally formed with or rigidly connected to the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 and extending therefrom will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

In addition, the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 preferably includes a lock-loop 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, 320, 380, 450, 510, 570 positioned thereon for receiving a locking device such as a dual-ended chain or flexible, heavy-duty chord or rigid bar lock that can be threaded through the lock-loop and around the bicycle frame to lock the bicycle frame to the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700. A significant advantage of a unitary suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 is found in its combination with such an integrally formed or otherwise securely connected lock-loop 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, 320, 380, 450, 510, 570. Such a device is difficult to disconnect from the separate structure 99 to which the unitary suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 is attached whenever a bicycle is suspended thereupon and the bicycle frame is secured to the mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700 with a locking device attached to the lock-loop 30, 90, 150, 210, 270, 320, 380, 450, 510, 570. If a would-be bicycle thief attempts to unscrew an integrally formed or rigidly connected spirally threaded fastener 10, 70 under such condition, then the bicycle must be turned simultaneously in unison with the turning of the fastener 10, 70 - a feat not easily accomplished, especially for the would-be thief seeking to abscond with the bicycle before being detected. Otherwise, the securing chain or chord will simply wrap tighter around the bicycle frame making the bicycle all the more difficult to separate from the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate a first embodiment of a unitary suspension mount 20 having an integrally formed spirally threaded extension defining a first end 10 for fastening the mount to a mount support surface 19 and an opposing second end having an extension 45 extending outwardly therefrom. Connected with the fastener 10 defining a first end of the unitary suspension mount 20 is an elongate body portion 35, rigidly extending from the first end and extending substantially vertically and being substantially perpendicular to the mount support surface 19 (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Beneath the mount support surface 19 is a horizontally extending floor surface to which the overlying mount support surface extends substantially parallel.

An extension 45, preferably elongated, extends outwardly from the elongate body portion 35, the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45 that has a proximal end integrally connected with and extending outwardly from a lower end portion of the elongate body portion 35. The bicycle support extension 45 preferably extends outwardly a distance sufficiently greater than the lateral extent of the rim of a large sized bicycle tire so as to generally provide ample surface area on the extension 45 to easily contact with the rim 58 of a bicycle tire 26 being mounted thereon. Thus, the distal extent provides sufficient distance to readily receive the bicycle tire 26 connected to the bicycle frame of the bicycle without having to precisely align the tire 26 over the extension when mounting the bicycle tire 26 thereon. The lateral extent of the bicycle support extension 45, however, is sufficiently narrow so as to readily thread through spokes 46 of the bicycle .

A distal portion of the bicycle support extension 45 has an outer lower surface extending upwardly such that the acute angle a_± between an imaginary line tangent t_s to the lower surface at any point thereon and an imaginary line y substantially parallel to the lengthwise extent of the elongate body portion is greater than about five (5) degrees and less than about ninety (90) degrees (see FIGS. 27 and 28). Preferably, to make for easy lifting of the tire over the distal tip of the extension 45, the angle will be at least forty five (45) degrees so that the distal end does not rise more than is minimally necessary to hold the bicycle tire in place. When the bicycle support extension is essentially elongate as illustrated, the lower surface and upper surface roughly coincide, but more generally, the present invention provides ease of mounting regardless of whether the bicycle tire extension 45 is elongated, provided that the upper surface portion of the distal extent of the extension 45 has a certain curvature. Preferably, then, the curvature everywhere along the upper surface of the distal portion 54 of the extension is greater than or equal to zero and at every point thereon is greater than or equal to the curvature at any other point located farther from the distal end of the extension 45, the curvature being defined as the ratio of the differential of arc to the angle of a line tangent to the convex side of the surface. This curvature facilitates the easy mounting of a bicycle tire 26 on the extension 45 wherein the rim 58 of the tire is easily brought into contact with the upper surface 54 of the distal portion of the bicycle support extension 45 (see FIG. 25) . Preferably, moreover, the curvature of the upper surface 54 of the distal portion of the extension 45 is such that at every point thereon the curvature is greater at that point than the curvature at every other point farther away from the distal end such that the curvature is increasing at each point along the upper surface of the distal portion 54 of the support extension 45 as one moves closer to the proximal end thereof. This, again, ensures that regardless of where the rim 58 of the tire 26 initially contacts the upper surface of the extension 45, sliding of the tire 26 along the extension results only in the bicycle coming to rest at a more stable position. The present invention, thus, contrasts sharply with conventional devices using hooks and vise-grips. A hook requires one to lift and hold the tire up over a hook and align the rim before bringing the tire down. A vise-grip requires that one lift the bicycle frame or tire precisely into the confines of the vise-like gripper, align the frame or tire for proper balance within the gripper, and, while holding the frame or tire in place, close the fingers or clamps of the vise. No such efforts are required for securing a bicycle tire and frame for storage using the present invention.

As further illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the unitary suspension mount 20 includes below the first end of the mount 30 a closed loop defining a lock-loop for receiving a locking device to secure the frame of a bicycle having a tire mounted on the bicycle support extension 45 to the suspension mount 20. As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the lock loop 30 is positioned medially on the suspension mount between the first end and a second end at which the proximal end of the bicycle support extension 45 is connected to the elongate body portion 35.

As described in applicant's copending application titled Appara tus and Method for Preventing Theft of a Bicycle while Providing Convenient Storing of Same, Serial No. 09/677,252 , filed October 2, 2000, certain theft deterrence benefits are obtained by positioning the lock-loop 30 sufficiently above the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45 so as to make it difficult for a would-be thief to attack a lock-secured chain or chord threaded through the lock-loop 30 and wrapped around a suspended bicycle frame, while still maintaining its position within reach from a floor surface so to not make it too difficult for one leisurely mounting a bicycle for storage to reach. Thus, if T represents the length of a straight-line distance parallel to the length of the suspension mount 20 and d the straight-line distance parallel to the length of the suspension mount 20 extending from the center of the lock-loop 30 to the axial apex of the extension 45 of the unitary suspension mount 20 the optimal placement of the loop-lock is such that the distance d relative to T will be approximately

(1/4) T, or greater, but no more than approximately ( ) T. Thus, this positioning of the lock-loop 30 achieves an optimal trade-off between theft deterrence and ease of placement of a bicycle tire upon a suspension mount 20. Positioning the lock-loop nearer to or on the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45, however, provides more ready access to the lock-loop. Thus, FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate a second embodiment of a unitary suspension mount 200 having a lock-loop 330 positioned on an outward tip of the distal end of the elongate extension defining a bicycle support extension 45 and extending from the second end of the suspension mount 200 for receiving a locking device to lock the bicycle frame to the mount. The positioning of the lock- loop 330 thereby provides easy access for locking a bicycle frame to the suspension mount 200.

Similarly, FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a third embodiment of a unitary suspension mount 380, one having the lock-loop positioned on the underside of distal tip of the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45, so as also to provide for easy locking and unlocking of locking device. In yet a fourth embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, the lock loop 270 on the suspension mount 260 is positioned medially on the underside of the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45 between the proximal and distal ends thereof. And still further, FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a suspension mount 320 having a single lock-loop positioned between the first and second ends of the suspension mount 320 and adjacent the extension defining a bicycle support extension 45. Again, each of the respective embodiments provide differing levels of access and accordingly different degrees of theft deterrence, but nonetheless are each intended to accommodate the specific needs of the user. The same advantages in terms of easy placement and theft deterrence achieved with the present invention pertain regardless of the number of support extensions extending from the suspension mount 20, 80, 140, 200, 260, 320, 380, 440, 500, 560, 620, 700. FIGS. 8, 9 and 18-23 each illustrate, respectively, embodiments of the present invention having two extensions defining bicycle support extensions 45. Specifically, FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a sixth embodiment of the present invention in which the suspension mount 140 comprises a centered lock- loop 150, a spirally threaded fastener 10, and two distinct extensions, each defining a bicycle support extension 45.

FIGS. 18 and 19, illustrate a seventh embodiment of the suspension mount 440 having two distinct extensions each defining a bicycle support extension 45, but wherein two lock-loops 450 are positioned medially between the first and second ends of the suspension mount 440. An eighth embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21 wherein the lock loop 510 is positioned on the underside of the suspension mount 500 medially between two opposing extensions, each defining a bicycle support extension 45. A ninth embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23, wherein, again, two extensions defining a bicycle support extension 45 are included along with three lock-loops — two lock-loops 390 positioned on the underside of the distal ends of the extensions and a third 510 positioned medially between the extension.

Although the suspension mounts 140, 440, 500, 560 are illustrated as having only two distinct extensions defining bicycle support extensions 45, it will be apparent that a suspension mount having additional support extensions is possible, the only constraint being the ability to space them sufficiently to accommodate the anticipated sizes of the multiple bicycles to be stored. FIG. 30 provides a perspective view of an apparatus 820 for securely storing a bicycle 811 or comparable lightweight device. The apparatus 820 includes a suspended mount 840 upon which a bicycle 811 can be suspended completely or partially above a floor surface (i.e., by having either both tires above the floor surface of a structure to which the mount is attached or having one tire resting on the floor while the other is suspended) or supported in place while both tires contact the ground. As perhaps best shown in FIGS. 34 and 36, a manipulable fastener 830 extends from a proximal end portion 810 of the suspended mount 840 for connecting the mount 840 to the ceiling 850 or a wall of a pre-existing structure. Moreover, the suspended mount 840, as described in detail below, is capable of receiving and holding a detachable locking device 816 (e.g., flexible cable or a chain 812 and a pad lock 813) that can be inserted through a closed loop 815 for securing a bicycle 811 to the suspended mount 840. Thus, the apparatus 820 can further include a detachable locking device 816, or alternatively, a locking device 816' that is fixedly connected to the suspended mount 840"' . For example, two chains 901, 902 may be fixedly connected to the closed loop 815' for locking around a bicycle with a conventional pad lock. (FIG. 40) .

As shown perhaps most clearly in FIG. 34, the suspended mount 840 is an elongate member formed, for example, from metal, plastic, or other solid material. The elongate suspended mount 840 is preferably formed to have a proximal end portion 810 extending from the manipulable fastener 830, a distal end portion 817 formed into an arcuate open loop, and a medial portion formed into or connected to a substantially closed loop 815. As shown in FIG. 38, the manipulable fastener 830' can comprise a distal end portion 832 having a grip handle for easy rotation upon a ball connection member 814 associated with the proximal end portion 810' of the elongate suspended mount 840' and a proximal portion 834 that is helically threaded thereby defining a screw. As discussed further below, however, there are alternative advantages to having the manipulable fastener 30 fixedly connected to the elongate mount 840 (FIGS. 34, 36, 41- 44) . More generally, whether the manipulable fastener 830, 830' is fixedly or rotatably connected, as also shown in FIGS. 34, 36, 38, 39, and 41-44 the manipulable fastener 830, 830' can comprise a screw having a cone or gimlet point and spiral threads for insertion into a beam 851, 851' or other portion of a pre-existing structure so as to secure the elongate suspended mount 840 to the ceiling or a wall of the structure. (See, e.g., Mark's Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, 10^th ed. , Table 8.2.23 at page 10.)

Using the fastener so described, the elongate suspended mount 840, 840', 840", 840"', 840"", 840""', 340""" 940""^"' can thereby be suspended from a ceiling 850 or wall 860 (FIGS. 36, 39-44) of a structure such as the vertical wall or ceiling of a home garage or, alternatively, a wall or an overhang of a structure in a public area. Moreover, as illustrated in FIGS. 41-44, with the mount fastened to a wall, the substantially closed loop 815', 815", 815"', 815"", 815""' can extend toward the wall or away from the wall, as well as lie above or lie below the axial length of the elongate suspended mount. As FIG. 34 clearly illustrates, a substantially closed loop 815 is positioned on the elongate suspended mount 840 between the proximal end portion 810 and the distal end portion 817 of the elongate suspended mount 840. The substantially closed loop 815 is thus connected to, and, preferably formed as part of, the elongate suspended mount 840. Having the closed loop 815 formed as part of the elongate suspended mount 840 provides easy reach for a bicycle owner, certain theft-deterrence advantages, and generates manufacturing efficiencies as well. As alluded to above, the substantially closed loop 815 preferably can receive a U-shaped bar lock or other locking device 816 (e.g., a cable or a chain 812 and a lock 813) that can be threaded through the substantially closed loop 815. The apparatus thus provides a capability for inserting the locking device 816 through the elongated suspended mount 840 and around the frame of a bicycle 811 thereby allowing one to lock the bicycle frame to the elongated suspended mount 840. While the elongate suspended mount can be fastened at any elevation on a wall or other vertical structure, there are decided advantages in terms of theft deterrence in fastening it to a ceiling or upper portion of a wall. The definite advantage lies in the recognition that the ease of storing a bicycle as well as securing it from potential threat is a function of the relative positions of the locking elements used to lock the bicycle in place and the structural points at which the bicycle is mounted for storing. As illustrated in FIGS. 30-33, the arcuate distal end portion 817 of the elongate suspended mount 840 is sufficiently open at a height within easy reach of someone place a bicycle tire over the arcuate distal end portion 817, so as to hold the bicycle 811 suspended therein. As FIG. 33 illustrates, however, the closed loop 815 is positioned at a medial portion of the elongate suspended mount 840 so as to lie above the arcuate distal end portion 817 of the elongate suspended mount 840 making it relatively difficult for a would-be bicycle thief to attach the lock reaching up, while being sufficiently within reach as not to require undue effort on the part of a bicycle owner locking the bicycle for secure storing.

FIG. 34 illustrates the relative limits for positioning of these elements in order to achieve an optimal trade-off between the twin objectives of easy storage mounting and effective theft deterrence. In order to facilitate easy mounting of a bicycle 811 on the distal end loop 817 of the elongate suspended mount 840, the closed loop 815 is positioned to lie at a distance d that is substantially one half or less the distance 27 from the bottom, or apex of the curvature 819, of the arcuate distal end 817 to the top of the proximal end portion 810 where the elongate suspended mount 840 connects with the manipulable fastener 830. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 32 and 33, one can easily secure a bicycle 811 using the apparatus 820 by threading the spokes of, say, the front wheel tire of a bicycle 811 over the arcuate distal end 817 of the elongate suspended mount 840 and reach higher to thread a locking device 816 through the closed loop 815. Conversely, so as to force a would-be thief to reach up and make more awkward any attempt to attack the locking device 816, d is preferably nearly (1/4) T or more. Thus, the distance d relative to 27 will lie nearly and substantially within the following boundaries of the following equation for achieving this optimal trade-off between ease of storing and locking versus theft deterrence by:

where, again, the distance T represents the length of a straight-line distance parallel to the length of the elongated suspension mount 840, while d is the straight- line distance parallel to the length of the elongated suspension mount 840 extending from the center of the loop 815 to the axial apex 819 of the arcuate distal end 817 of the elongated suspension mount 840. As noted above, the manipulable fastener 830 preferably can be integrally formed with or fixedly connected to the elongate suspension mount 840 so as not to rotate independently of the elongate suspension mount 840 to which it is unitarily connected. This preferable embodiment provides significant theft deterrence whenever, for example, a bicycle 811 is suspended upon the arcuate distal end portion 817 of the elongate suspended mount 840. The advantage of this embodiment arises particularly if the fastener is a thread screw, as described above, which attaches to a pre-formed recess in a pre-existing structure. Assuming that a bicycle 811 is suspended upon the arcuate distal end 817 of the elongate suspended mount 840, and that it is secured with a locking device 816 such as a lock 813 and cable or chain 812 inserted through the substantially closed loop 815 and around the frame of the bicycle 811, such an arrangement ensures that the fastener cannot be disengaged from the structure 850 without unscrewing both the unitary fastener 830 and elongate suspended mount 840. The elongate suspended mount 840 cannot, however, be rotated without simultaneously rotating the chain- secured bicycle 811 suspended thereon; a would-be bicycle thief who attempts to rotate only the elongate suspended mount 840 will succeed only in wrapping the chain 812 more tightly. The same effect is achieved substantially if one utilizes an alternative locking device such as a U-shaped bar lock that prevents any attempt to rotate the bicycle 811 secured to the elongate suspended mount 840. An alternative embodiment for securely storing a bicycle according to the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 37 and embraces the use of two or more elongate suspended mounts 841, 842 that may be suspended by manipulable fasteners as described above. This arrangement permits one to securely store a plurality of bicycles or, if the elongated suspended mounts 841, 842 are sufficiently spaced apart from one another, to hang a single bicycle 811' or other device from two elongated suspended mounts 841, 842. As shown in FIG. 37, for example, a bicycle 811' can be mounted at two distinct points on the frame of a bicycle 811' on arcuate ends 861, 862 of separate elongated suspended mounts 841, 842. Moreover, if one wishes to use a plurality of elongated suspended mounts 841, 842, an efficient manner for doing so will be to provide a plurality of preformed openings for suspending therein a plurality of elongate suspended mounts 841, 842 up to the number of preformed openings available, with the number varying according to temporal demand for bicycle storage capacity.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention includes separable elongate suspended mount extenders 872, 874, the use of which permits one to extend the length of the proximal end portion of the elongate suspension mount 840''. As shown in FIG. 39, each elongate suspended mount extender 872, 874 has a or distal end 884, 894 comprising a manipulable fastener receiver (e.g., a threaded bore to receive a thread screw member) . Extending from the opposing or proximal end of the elongate suspended mount extender 872, 874, is a manipulable fastener 882, 892 of the type already described herein. The distal end 884, 894 of an elongate suspended mount extender 872, 874 is thus capable of connecting to the manipulable fastener 830'' of the elongate suspended mount 840 ' ' or to the manipulable fastener of another elongate suspended mount . An uppermost elongate suspended mount then can attach to a surface portion 850'' of a structure. As illustrated in FIG. 39, a first elongate suspended mount extender 872 receives the manipulable fastener of the elongate suspended mount 840'' and in turn connects to a second elongate suspended mount extender 874 which fastens to the surface portion 850' of a pre-existing structure. As will be apparent to the reader, any number of elongate suspended mount extenders can be utilized according to that illustrated. The method aspects of the present invention likewise are illustrated by FIGS. 1-15 and described herein within the context of securely storing a bicycle. As illustrated, a bicycle is suspended partially or completely from a pre-existing structure using a suspended mount. The bicycle is then secured in its suspended position so as to be engaged by and supported upon the mount. The bicycle is secured in place using a locking device that is positioned in connection with a portion of the bicycle frame and with the mount, so as to securely support the bicycle upon the mount suspended from the structure. The locking device is purposely positioned to connect with the mount at a point relative to the point at which the bicycle is mounted, so as to be positioned nearly a quarter or more, but not much more than a half, of the total distance from the tip of the mount to the top of the mount so as to make it difficult for a would-be thief to attack the locking device. The method can further comprise fastening the mount and mount-supported bicycle to the separate structure using a unitary fastener. Preferably, the fastening step is completed by connecting the mount and mount-supported bicycle using a thread screw positioned within a preformed screw receiver that is connected to the mount such that one cannot disengage the bicycle locked to the mount without rotating both the integrally connected mount and bicycle suspended thereon.

FIGS. 1-26 also illustrate the method aspects of the present invention. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for securely storing a bicycle by suspending a bicycle tire and a bicycle frame connected to the tire. More specifically, the method includes fastening a unitary suspension mount to a supporting structure, sliding the bicycle tire over an arcuate end of the suspension mount, which is arcuate and upwardly curved so as to thread readily through the spokes of a bicycle tire connected to a bicycle frame, and securing the bicycle frame to the mount by placing a locking device through a lock-loop positioned on the suspension mount for receiving a locking device to lock the bicycle frame to the mount .

The method for securely storing a bicycle, according to the present invention, can include suspending a bicycle tire connected to a bicycle frame upon a bicycle support extension fastened to a support structure and for receiving and suspending suspend thereon the bicycle tire connected to a bicycle frame, wherein the support extension forms a curved extension extending outwardly with a connected, closed proximal end and an open distal end, the curvature of the upper surface of which is beyond some point along the distal portion everywhere increasing as one moves out along the distal portion to thereby permit a bicycle tire readily to be mounted on the extension by simply sliding it over the distal end of the extension without having to position it over the extension for proper placement, and securing the bicycle frame to a lock-loop fastened positioned to receive a locking device for locking the bicycle to the lock-loop. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed a typical preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, the terms are used in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. The invention has been described in considerable detail with specific reference to these illustrated embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that various modifications and changes can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the foregoing specification and as defined in the appended claims .

Claims

THAT CLAIMED IS:

1. A suspension mount (20) for securely storing a lightweight vehicle so that the vehicle is at least partially suspended upon the mount above a horizontally extending floor surface, the suspension mount (20) characterized by having: a substantially elongate body (35) including: a fastener (10) positioned to define a proximal end of the body and fasten the suspension mount to a mount support surface (19) so that the mount support surface (19) supports the suspension mount (20) and a vehicle when mounted on the suspension mount (20) , a medial portion connected to and rigidly extending from the proximal end (10) , and at least one support extension (45) extending outwardly from the medial portion (35) a sufficient distance to readily receive a wheel (26) connected to the vehicle, the at least one support extension (45) also having a lateral extent being sufficiently narrow to readily thread through spokes (46) connected to a rim (58) of the wheel (26) and a distal end (54) including a surface portion extending upwardly away from the horizontally extending floor surface to thereby enhance holding the wheel (26) therein; and at least one substantially closed loop (30) positioned on the body and defining a lock-loop through which a locking device (812, 813) is readily positioned to lock the vehicle to the suspension mount (20) when the vehicle is mounted thereon.

2. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claim 1, wherein the at least one support extension (45) is arcuate, and wherein an imaginary line (t) tangent to the surface portion of the distal end (54) of the at least one support extension (45) at any point thereon forms acute angle with an imaginary line (y) substantially parallel to the lengthwise extent of the elongate body

(35) , the angle being greater than about five (5) degrees and less than about ninety (90) degrees.

3. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1 or 2, wherein a straight-line distance (d) parallel to the length of the elongate body (35) and extending from the center of the at least one substantially closed loop

(30) to the axial apex of the at least one support extension (45) is substantially a quarter or more of the axial distance (T) from the proximal end of the elongate body (35) to the axial apex of the at least one support extension (45) .

4. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-3 wherein a straight-line distance (d) parallel to the length of the elongate body (35) and extending from the center of the at least one substantially closed loop (30) to the axial apex of the at least one support extension

(45) is substantially half or less of the axial distance (T) from the proximal end of the elongate body (35) to the axial apex of the at least one support extension (45) .

5. A suspension mount (440) as defined in Claims 1-4, wherein the at least one support extension (45) defines a first support extension (45) and wherein the suspension mount (440) further includes at least a second support extension (45) .

6. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-5, wherein the fastener (10) is integrally connected to the medial portion of the substantially elongate body (35) , and wherein the medial portion of the substantially elongate body (35) is integrally connected to the at least one support extension (45) to thereby form a unitary body (35) .

7. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-6, wherein the at least one substantially closed loop (30) is integrally connected to the body (35) to thereby form a unitary suspension mount (20)

8. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-7, wherein the elongate body (35) has a substantially uniform width throughout.

9. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-8, wherein an imaginary line (t) tangent to the surface portion of the distal end (54) at any point thereon forms an acute angle with an imaginary line (y) substantially parallel to the lengthwise extent of the elongate body

(35) that is greater than about forty five (45) degrees and less than about ninety (90) degrees.

10. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-9 wherein the at least one lock-loop (45) is positioned on the medial portion of the body (35) of the suspension mount (20) for receiving a locking device (812, 813) to lock a vehicle to the suspension mount (20) .

11. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-10, wherein the at least one lock-loop (30) is positioned on the at least one support extension (45) extending from the medial portion of the body (35) for receiving a locking device to lock the vehicle to the suspension mount (20) .

12. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-11, wherein the at least one lock-loop (30) for receiving a locking device to lock a vehicle to the suspension mount (20) is positioned on the suspension mount (20) adjacent the at least one support extension

(45) extending from the medial portion of the body (35) the suspension mount (20) .

13. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-12, wherein a surface portion of the distal end (54) of the at least one support extension (45) is such that, as with respect to any two distinct points along the surface portion, the curvature of the surface of the distal end

(54) at a point along the surface farther away from the medial portion of the elongate body (35) is greater than the curvature at a point closer to the medial portion of the elongate body (35) .

14. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-13, wherein the fastener (10) positioned to define a proximal end of the body (35) and fasten the suspension mount to a mount support surface (19) includes a spirally threaded portion to thereby provide a substantially rigid screw-like extension for connecting the suspension mount (20) to the mount support surface (19) .

15. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-14, wherein the fastener (10) positioned to define a proximal end of the body and fasten the suspension mount to a mount support surface (19) comprises an integrally formed handle and screw, the handle having a first end rotatably connected to the elongate body (35) and a second end connected to the screw.

16. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claims 1-15, further comprising a plurality of suspension mount extenders including at least a first suspension mount extender (872) and a second suspension mount extender

(874) .

17. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claim 16, wherein the first suspension mount extender (872) has a proximal end portion (884) adapted to connect to the fastener (10) positioned to define a proximal end of the body (35) and a distal end (882) adapted to connect to a proximal end (894) of the second suspension mount extender (874) .

18. A suspension mount (20) as defined in Claim 17, wherein the proximal end portion (884) of the first suspension mount extender (872) threadably connects to the fastener (10, and wherein the distal end (882) of the first suspension mount extender (872) threadably connects to the proximal end (894) of the second suspension mount extender (874) .

19. A method of securely storing a vehicle by suspending off a horizontally extending floor surface (19) a wheel (26) connected to a vehicle frame, the method comprising the steps: fastening a suspension mount (20) to a preselected support structure (19) ; and lifting the wheel (26) over a distal end of a support extension (45) and contacting a rim (58) of the wheel (26) with a surface portion of a distal end (54) of the support extension (45) , the support extension (45) forming part of a suspension mount body (35) and extending outwardly from a medial portion of the suspension mount body (35) , and the surface portion of the distal end (54) being sufficiently concave to prevent the wheel (26) from disengaging and to permit the wheel (26) to position securely on the support extension (45) in a stable position regardless of where along the surface portion of the distal end (54) the rim (58) initially contacts the support extension (45) .

20. A method for securely storing a vehicle as defined in Claim 19, further comprising ' securing the vehicle to the suspension mount (20) by placing a locking device (812, 813) within a closed lock-loop (30) positioned on the body (35) of the suspension mount (20) .